Panic Attack Medications
In this article, we will discuss the available panic attack medication and help.
If you suspect that you have panic attacks, you need to turn to a doctor or therapist for an official diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. The typical treatment course includes being prescribed an SSRI antidepressant and tranquilizers for several months. The tranquilizers are usually phased out shortly, leaving only the antidepressant. The effectiveness and tolerability of the new-generation antidepressants (SSRI) was proven by numerous studies.
Some patients fear starting the use of panic attack medication for the fear of addiction and side effects. Antidepressants typically don’t result in any addiction, and the tranquilizers are prescribed for shorter durations. As for side effects, the tranquilizers may cause difficulty in concentration for the first few days, but this side effect is fast to subside. Simply try to plan everything in advance and keep records. The side effects of the panic attack medication are insignificant, while their therapeutic effect is enormous. The condition typically starts to improve after two weeks of taking the panic attack medication.
The treatment also calls for the elimination of the causes that provoke anxiety. You will need to increase your resistance to stress and quench your nervous system. This can be achieved through working with a psychologist or psychotherapist. The therapist can help you work out any childhood trauma and help you learn to manage stressful situations better. This may be achieved using relaxation and self hypnosis. The treatment can also involve behavioral therapy aimed at reducing anxiety in public places. Panic attacks are often accompanied by depression, social phobia, and various addictions (food, alcohol). All of these problems can be solved during the process of psychotherapy.
There are many psychotherapeutic techniques that can help you in coping with your disorder. The commonly used ones include: changing your thinking, using relaxation and self hypnosis methods and others. This type of therapy can take from 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the condition.
The panic attack medication and psychotherapy approach are typically selected during the first interview with a medical doctor and psychotherapist. Within a month of the combined treatment the panic attacks will start to cease. The best results can be achieved through the combination of the panic attack medication and psychotherapy.
Advice for a Panic Attack
1. Try to determine the emotional factors that could have provoked it. Try to establish a connection between your feelings, state of mind/body, and the preceding events. Try to analyze the problem and solve it.
2. Take a tranquilizer panic attack medication at the first sign of an attack. Carry your medication with you. The effect of drugs comes in about 20 – 30 minutes. The medicines may either completely cut the attack short, or mitigate the symptoms.
3. If the attack caught you in a public place, try to quickly take the panic attack medication and sit quietly for half an hour. If you don’t have the medicine with you, first try to calm down by sitting down, and then return to your home or office (where you have the medicine). If you feel no improvement, call an ambulance.
See your health provider if you need additional information on panic attack medication.
